Star netcam XL User Manual
netcam XL
User’s Manual
w w w . s t a r d o t - t e c h . c o m
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Conguration..........................................................................5
1.1 Before You Start .......................................................................5
1.2 What’s Included and What’s Required .....................................5
1.3 Parts of NetCam ......................................................................6
1.4 Connecting NetCam to a Network ...........................................6
1.5 An Overview of Network Connectivity ......................................7
1.6 Connecting NetCam to a Modem .............................................9
Chapter 2 Installation ............................................................................10
2.1 Installing NetCam ...................................................................10
2.2 Outdoor Environment ............................................................. 11
Chapter 3 Accessing NetCam ..............................................................12
3.1 Viewing NetCam’s Images .....................................................12
3.2 AccessingNetCam’sCongurationMenus ............................13
3.3 Image Properties ....................................................................13
3.4 Overlay Properties .................................................................18
3.5 FTP Properties .......................................................................21
3.6 Applet Properties ...................................................................25
3.7 Date/Time Properties .............................................................26
3.8 Network Properties ................................................................28
3.9 Dial-Out Properties ................................................................30
3.10 Security Properties .................................................................32
3.11 Advanced Menu .....................................................................33
3.12 Trigger Properties ..................................................................34
3.13 Dynamic DNS.........................................................................38
3.14 Weather Station .....................................................................38
Chapter 4 Imaging Tips .........................................................................39
4.1 Lighting ..................................................................................39
4.2 Image Processing Options .....................................................41
Chapter 5 NetCam Lenses ....................................................................42
Troubleshooting Guide ...........................................................................44
Page 4 NetCam XL
Chapter 1 Conguration
Congratulations on your purchase of a StarDot NetCam XL network camera with
integrated web server. The NetCam XL provides the highest quality live still images
and video in a remote camera that can be connected to a network or a modem. With
proper usage, NetCam will provide many years of quality remote imaging. We
recommend that you read this manual carefully to completely understand NetCam
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1.3 Parts of NetCam
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S0 (Modem)
External Modem Connection
For Internet ISP Dial-Out
S1 (Aux)
Configuration of NetCam via PC Serial Port,
Auxilliary Device Control
NET (Ethernet Port)
Used to Connect NetCam to a Network
Network Activity LED
PWR (DC Power Jack)
8-15VDC, 1A
I/O AUXand (Input/Output and Auxiliary)
Motorized Zoom Lens
1.4 Connecting NetCam to a Network
The StarDot Tools software can be used nd NetCam’s IP address or
to congure NetCam with a Setup Wizard.
Install the StarDot Tools software by inserting the CD-ROM and
running setup.exe (it should run automatically).
If your network has a router or server that auto assigns IP addresses
(DHCP), StarDot Tools will nd NetCam’s IP address and display
it in the software. To access NetCam, simply double-click its IP
address. Turn to Chapter 3 for assistance on conguring NetCam.
If your network does not auto-assign IP addresses, you’ll need to
congure NetCam via the included serial cable. Connect one end of
the null model serial cable to the S1 port of NetCam and the other
end into an available serial port on your PC.
Connect NetCam into a network router, hub or switch with a standard
CAT 5 network cable or with the included Combo Ethernet/Power
Cable (see illustration).
In StarDot Tools, click the Setup Wizard button.
Follow the steps in the Setup Wizard. If you’re unsure of some of
the answers or you’d like more information on connecting NetCam
to the Internet or your private network, read the next section,
“An Overview of NetCam Connectivity”.
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DB9-DB9 Null
Modem Cable (Included)
Used to connect NetCam
to a PC Serial Port for
Configuring Camera
Combo Ethernet/Power
Cable (50 ft., Included)
Used to connect NetCam
to Network and
Power Supply
12VDC Power Supply (Included)
Plugs Into Combo
Ethernet/Power Cabl
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To Internet/LAN
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Router, Switch or Hub
(Not Included)
(normally not needed)
1.5 An Overview of Network Connectivity
A LAN or network connection is the simplest conguration for NetCam.
NetCam simply needs an IP address (and other networking parameters) to
make the live images and conguration menus accessible from any web
browser on the network. There are two ways NetCam can be assigned an
IP address: automatically or manually.
Automatic IP Assignment (DHCP)
NetCam is shipped in an automatic IP assignment mode called DHCP
(Dynamic Host Conguration Protocol). If your network has a DHCP server
(in most cases, a router), it will automatically assign the necessary network
parameters to NetCam. Before you can access the camera, you will need
to know which IP address was assigned to NetCam. Use the StarDot Tools
software to nd NetCam’s IP address.
Manual IP Assignment
If you want to assign NetCam a permanent IP address, you will need
the following information:
• IP Address (example: 192.168.1.5)
• Subnet Mask (example: 255.255.255.0)
• Gateway (example: 192.168.1.1)
• DNS Servers (obtain from ISP)
NetCam XL Page 7
If you are installing NetCam on a company network, you will probably want
to get this information from your system administrator.
The easiest way to congure NetCam manually is to connect NetCam to
a serial port on your computer. Plug one end of the null modem serial cable
into the S1 port on the back of NetCam and the other end into an available
9-pin serial port on the back of your computer. Use the included StarDot
Tools software to congure NetCam.
If you don’t have a serial port or are using a non-Windows machine,
you have a few options.
If NetCam is connected to a network with a DHCP server and your
computer is not running Windows, you can log into your router (or whatever
is acting as your DHCP server) and view the DHCP clients table. NetCam
will have the MAC address starting with 00:30:F4. Take note of the IP
address and enter it in your web browser. Click on the conguration link,
visit the network tab and assign NetCam a manual IP address (outside of
the router’s DHCP range).
If NetCam is connected to a network without a DHCP server
(IP addresses are not automatically assigned) and your computer is not
running Windows, you’ll have to manually assign NetCam an IP address.
This requires terminal emulation software and the included null serial cable.
On a Macintosh or on a Windows computer without a serial port, you’ll
need a USB RS-232 adapter.
To talk directly to NetCam via the included serial cable, set your
terminal software to a bitrate of 38,400 (8/N/1). Log in with username
admi n, password admin and use the following commands to assign
NetCam a temporary IP address. Once the IP has been assigned, browse to
NetCam with a web browser and congure NetCam to have a permanent
static IP address.
In the following example, NetCam is being assigned a temporary IP
address of 192.168.0.2 via a terminal program connected to the S1 port on
the back of NetCam:
ifcong eth0 192.168.0.2
route add -net 192.168.0.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 eth0
Remember, once you can reach NetCam via its temporary IP address,
you’ll want to immediately assign it a permanent static IP address in the
network conguration menu.
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1.6 Connecting NetCam to a Modem
In order to use NetCam with an analog phone line, you will need the
Dial-Out NetCam package (CAM-XLxxx-02, which comes with an external
modem and cable), a dial-up ISP account, and an analog phone line.
Install the StarDot Tools software by inserting the included
CD-ROM and running setup.exe.
Connect one end of the null model serial cable to the S1 port of
NetCam and the other end into an available serial port on your PC.
Connect the round end of the modem cable into the external modem
and plug the modem power supply into the modem (modem and
modem cable both included with remote package).
Plug the DB9 end of the modem cable into the S0 port of NetCam.
Run the StarDot Tools software and click on the Setup Wizard
button.
Follow the steps in the Setup Wizard. When asked for modem type,
select 3JTech.
Test your conguration locally rst. Once successful, you can
place NetCam and the modem remotely and it will automatically dial
out to the Internet and upload images according to the set schedule.
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Chapter 2 Installation
Before installing NetCam in its nal location, it is important to congure
and test it rst (see Chapter 1).
2.1 Installing NetCam
Ethernet Connection
If NetCam will be connected directly to an Ethernet network, measure
the distance from NetCam to the nearest Ethernet hub or switch. This
distance should not exceed 300 feet. If you wish to extend the distance
further than 300 feet, you can add an Ethernet hub or switch.
Running Separate Ethernet and Power
Run standard CAT 5 or better Ethernet cable from the hub/switch to
the NET jack on the back of NetCam. Plug the included power supply into
the back of NetCam.
Running Combined Ethernet and Power
To save the hassle of running both power and network cables (or having
to have a 110V power supply at the camera location), NetCam ships with
a 50 ft. combo Ethernet/power cable. You can use this in place of standard
CAT 5 network cable. Plug the included power supply into the power tail
jack on one side of the cable and plug the network plug into a hub. The
other end of the cable plugs into the NetCam’s PWR and NET jacks (see
illustration in Section 1.4).
If you need a longer cable, StarDot offers lengths of 100, 200 and 300
feet. Keep in mind that the longer combination cable lengths require a power
supply with higher voltage output (voltage drops over the length of a cable).
The appropriate power supply is included with the longer combo cables.
Modem Connection
If NetCam’s connection to the Internet will be a dial-out ISP connection,
an external modem and modem cable are required (these are provided with
the Dial-Out NetCam package).
Connect the external modem’s power supply into an AC wall outlet.
Connect the external modem into a phone jack using a standard telephone
cable. Using the included DB9 Female to round connector cable, connect
the external modem into the S0 port on the back of NetCam.
It is important that NetCam be pre-congured for a dial-out modem
connection before placing the camera in its nal installation location (see
Chapter 1.6).
Page 10 NetCam XL
2.2 Outdoor Environment
NetCam is an outdoor-capable camera, but two important steps must
be taken before NetCam can be used in an outdoor environment. NetCam’s
lens must be adjusted for daylight imaging, and NetCam must be enclosed
in an outdoor enclosure.
Lens Adjustment
If you ordered NetCam with an auto iris lens (the lens has a cable that
plugs into the side of NetCam), make sure the Auto Iris option is enabled
on the image page. If Auto Iris is not enabled and the camera is pointed
outdoors, it can get permanent burn-in damage on the image sensor.
Unless you ordered an auto iris lens, NetCam ships with a manual iris
lens. The manual iris must be closed down to a pinhole size before using
the camera in daylight lighting. If the lens has markings on the iris ring,
you will want to close the iris down to ƒ16 or larger (the larger the ƒ-stop,
the smaller the iris). If the lens does not have numerical markings on the
iris ring (it may just show “open” and “close” with arrows), look into the
lens and turn the iris until the hole is about the size of a pinhole.
The pinhole size is an approximation. To precisely set the iris, add $e to
the image overlay (the text printed on the image). This will print the current
exposure. During daylight, this value should fall between 100 and 500. You
generally do not want to want to see the exposure with a value below 100.
If your exposure is reading below 100, adjust the iris smaller until it reads
between 100 and 500. Note: Make sure Auto Exposure is enabled.
Failure to set the iris properly in daylight lighting may result in
streaky image quality and will prematurely cause permanent damage
to the C CD sensor. NetCam’s auto exposure logic will automatically
compensate for changes in brightness throughout the day by adjusting the
exposure. NetCam can take great quality images from dawn to dusk with a
manual iris lens, provided it’s set properly. For more information on daylight
imaging and how to achieve the best quality possible, see Section 4.1.
Mounting the Camera
To mount NetCam outdoors, it must rst be encased in an outdoor
enclosure (different models are available from StarDot Technologies, see
http://www.stardot-tech.com/netcamxl). Install NetCam in an outdoor
enclosure and adjust the internal mount so NetCam’s lens is up against the
enclosure window. This helps to reduce glare.
Determine where NetCam will be pointing and where you’d like to
mount it. The outdoor enclosures can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical
surface. When aiming the camera, factors such as sun travel and amount
of visible sky can vastly affect the quality of the image. For imaging tips,
see Section 4.1.
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3.2 Accessing NetCam’s Conguration Menus
Virtually any web browser can be used to access NetCam’s conguration menus. To access these menus, type NetCam’s IP address in your
browser’s address bar (example: http://19 2.168.1 .5). This will
bring up the live image page. Click on the Conguration link. You will be
prompted for a User Name and Password. Use admin for both.
Tip: We highly recommend that you change the default password. To do so, see
Section 3.8.
3.3 Image Properties
All image-related conguration options are located on the Image
Properties page. After making changes, click the Apply button to save new
settings in the camera.
EXPOSURE
Auto vs. Manual
Unless you have a controlled (xed) lighting condition, you will almost
always want to leave Auto Exposure enabled.
Auto Exposure
Enabling Auto Exposure causes NetCam to automatically adjust
NetCam XL Page 13
the image exposure based on the overall brightness of the image. The
following functions are only implemented when Auto Exposure is
enabled.
• Brightness - The higher the number, the brighter the picture. This
is the target for the auto exposure code.
• Exposure Limit - The camera will not expose the image sensor
above this value. The default is 32767, about 1.5 seconds). If you
see a lot of pixel noise on your image at night, consider limiting this
value (other options related to image noise are AGC and Low Light).
• Sync- Fluorescent lighting refreshes at 60Hz or 50Hz, depending
on what country you live in. This may interfere with the camera’s
exposure. Set the sync to the appropriate value for your area
(example: U.S. is 60Hz). If you are pointing the camera outdoors or
do not use uorescent lighting, you may turn this option off.
• Allow Extended Exposures - In darker lighting conditions, a
longer exposure produces a brighter image. A longer exposure also
produces an image where objects in motion may appear blurry. If
your application requires the best possible image quality and motion
blur is not a concern, enable Allow Extended Exposures and set the
Exposure Limit to a high value (up to 32767). If your application
requires capturing images of people or objects in motion, disable
Allow Extended Exposures.
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC) - The picture is digitally
amplied in low light conditions or in situations where the exposure
is limited to reduce motion blur. Enabling AGC may introduce image
noise.
• AGC Limit - The higher the limit, the more digital amplication
occurs (assuming it’s necessary). If you want to limit the digital gain
to reduce noise on the image, reduce this value.
• Low Light - In low light conditions, the analog low light mode of
the image sensor is enabled. Enabling Low Light may introduce
image noise.
• Back Light - BLC, or backlight compensation, adjusts the picture
in situations where a bright light source, such as window, is causing
the image to be improperly exposed.
• Back Light - Backlight compensation (BLC) adjusts the picture in
situations where a bright light source, such as window, is causing the
image to be improperly exposed.
• Auto Iris- Only enable this option if a DC Auto Iris lens is
connected into the camera. If your camera does have a DC Auto
Iris lens connected, you must enable this option when the camera is
pointing outdoors.
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